Associate Designer, Knitwear

Summary:

Reporting to the Design Director of Knitwear, this candidate will support the Knitwear Design Team in the development and execution of fully fashioned and seamless knit garments across all categories. The role requires a candidate with an eye for detail and a strong ability to partner with Product Development on new techniques and trims. This candidate will liaise cross-functionally to ensure clear and detailed communication on all designs.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• With direction from the Creative Team, this candidate will be responsible for researching and developing design ideas for the season; concept presentations should include silhouette research, yarn research, swatches/stitch developments, sketches, drapes, fabric manipulation, textile developments, and finished mock-ups. All designs presented should consider finishes, trims, and branding as needed.
• Prepare tech packs for both in-house and out-of-house developments under the guidance of the Design Director, ensuring all details and fabric information are present.
• Prioritize developments in accordance with overseas deadlines. Keep in close communication with Technical Design and Product Development (PD) to ensure developments are proceeding according to plan and present solutions where necessary.
• Partner with Assistant Designer and Intern to support the Design Director.
• Partner with Designer to name and set up all styles in the system, inclusive of product descriptions and accurate sketches. Follow and update all design changes systematically.
• Support the Design Director in preparation for design meetings and follow through on updating all design collateral as needed when changes occur.
• Actively update and communicate necessary changes to design boards.
• Prepare updated information on all design developments for weekly design ops meetings.
• Ensure all systems are up to date, including Miro, RLM, and necessary line sheets and trackers.
• Follow up on all swatch launches with factories and keep the tracker up to date, ensuring all swatches are available for milestone meetings.
• Participate in pre-fitting all prototypes prior to proto review with the intention of making improvements and preparing solutions.
• Support the Design Director in preparation for all proto review and SMS meetings, ensuring that all garments have been assessed and are accounted for. If necessary, prepare solutions or supplemental ideas/concepts that are in accordance with the seasonal line plan.
• Work with the Intern to ensure all garments are prepared ahead of time for meetings and fittings.
• Communicate SMS launch by style and SKU to PD and ensure design boards and systems are updated to reflect launched styles.
• Check all SMS upon arrival and work with the Design Team to make any necessary adjustments.
• Support the Design Director in preparation for all styling meetings, ensuring that all SMS are present and organized in order of the line sheet. Prepare any supplemental design materials needed for styling.
• Participate in all necessary Proto, SMS through TOP sample fittings. Ensure design integrity and that all fit comments are considered and communicated efficiently. Liaise with Technical Design, PD, and Production to maintain aesthetic and production viability through to the customer.
• Analyze, leverage, and integrate sales and bookings data to inform ongoing and future designs.
• Work on any additional projects as requested by the Design Director.

­ Position Requirements:

• BA or BFA with a specialization in knitwear
• 2–3 years of experience in a designer capacity
• Strong flat sketching skills
• Detailed knowledge of patternmaking or draping
• Strong knowledge of construction, sewing techniques, and finishes
• Familiar with yarn mills, yarn capabilities, and applications
• Familiar with domestic and computer knitting machines (i.e., Dubied, Stoll, Shima, Steiger, etc.)
• Ability to develop unique stitches and swatches with all types of yarn
• Proficient in hand sewing and machine sewing
• Strong understanding of fabric attributes
• Strong color and print sense
• Excellent time management and interpersonal skills
• Ability to prioritize and manage workload with multiple deadlines
• Excellent communication skills
• Strong ability to present ideas
• Strong Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign skills
• Enthusiasm to bring new energy into the design process

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer M/D/F/V

In compliance with the New York City salary transparency requirements, the potential salary for this position is from $85,000 to $87,000, which represents a range commensurate with experience, knowledge, and skills required.